Hedley George Rivers ROBINS [3434]

  General Notes:

The Narracan Shire Advocate and Yallourn Brown Coal Mine, Walhalla and Thorpdale Lines Echo (Moe, Vic. : 1923 - 1943) Fri 21 Mar 1941 Page 3
Local Soldiers Entertained.

Local Soldiers Entertained
As usual, there was a big attendance at the social in honor of two members of the A.I.F., Private Fred. Piera (elder son of Mr and Mis C. A. Piera, Moe) and Gunner Hedley Robins (son of Mrs Robins, of Erica,formerly of Moe and Willowgrove), on Friday night last.

Items were interspersed with the dancing, music for which was provided by Miss Florence Smith, at the piano, assisted by Mr Baillie, with his banjo. Miss Jean Craton sang "Street Song" and "Love is All," and Miss Greta Keily rendered "Here in the Quiet Hills" and "I Passed by Your Window." Both soloists were accompanied by Mrs Maddison. The chairman (Mr H. Margin) invited the guests of -the evening to seats on the stage, which, incidentally, had been artistically decorated with dahlias, gladioli, colored Easter Daisy and pretty gum-tips by the secretary (Mrs F. C. Robinson).

Mr Martin said that once more they had met to honor two old district residents who had joined the Forces and would be going overseas.' On behalf of the citizens of Moe, he welcomed them, and also heartily welcomed their relatives.

Most of those present knew the two guests of honor a great deal better than he did, although he had known them for quite a while. They did not know where they were going; but, wherever it was, it would be well in a very great danger zone.

The activities of the war were spreading. While they anticipated this would happen before it was all over, none realised how far it was going to extend. They now had troops in Africa, Europe and Asia, and also Canada, which was a training centre. However, they still hoped to soon see the end of it. Each conflict in this war had been sharp and sudden.
Fortunately for our troops, the losses in lives were very small, compared with the gains. The results were remarkable, considering the small loss of life, which was very different to the last war. The two soldiers they were entertaining had been residents of the district for many years.

Mr Martin congratulated them on the step they were taking. A number of others had gone to take part in other war activities, but would not be leaving our shores. None the less, they provided tools of offence, and were probably more important than any taking part in the war - more so in this war than in any previous war.

This was a machine war, and they must congratulate those who were providing the fuel for the A.I.F. Mr Martin then called on Mr T. Drew to speak on behalf of the Returned Soldiers' League. Mr Drew apologised for the absence of the president of the local branch (Mr Bloye).

On behalf of the Returned Soldiers' Association, he would first of all like to congratulate "Hedley" and "Fred." on their enterprise and patriotism, in the step they had taken. As Mr Martin had said, they did not know where they might be going, but it looked as if, at last, they would be getting into grips with the Huns. They would then know they had been fighting. Australian troops were acknowledged by all as excellent fighters, and the present troops would uphold the traditions of those in the last war - and, if anything, enhance that name.

As soon as members of the forces left for overseas, they automatically became members of the Association.
They, therefore, had a very strong organisation looking after their interests, and those of their dependants while they were away. Mr Drew concluded by wishing the two guests a happy and successful voyage over and a safe return.

He felt sure that when they were welcomed back they would say it had all been worth while. The Chairman here apologised for the absence of Cr. E. Hunter (who was' slightly indisposed that night), Mr and Mrs H. Robinson, and Mr and Mrs G. McDonald. Mrs Purvis handed to each of the "boys" a parcel from the Country Women's Association. She understood Private Piera was a married man, but did not know if his wife would be living in Moe. If she did, she would be welcomed into their C.W.A. Branch, as all soldiers' wives were made honorary members. Mrs Purvis wished each guest the best of luck and a safe return.

On behalf of the citizens of Moe, Mr Martin then presented to each soldier a wallet, and read the inscription thereon. From his own experience, he knew a wallet was a useful article. Each wallet contained a £1 note. Mr Martin expressed the hope that it would bring them luck, and remind them of their friends in Moe. He trusted they would come back safe and sound.

The Chairman said there were four other residents - members of the A.I.F. - who had had leave. He understood some had actually sailed. Either from bashfulness or other reasons, they had not advised anyone and the committee was not aware of their movements. Wallets would, therefore, be forwarded to Privates Don. Clegg, "Bill" Blair, and "Mick" Spittall, and Signaller Jack MacRae. They were sorry not to have had the opportunity of entertaining, them at a public gathering, such as -the one that night. However, they could not recall them, and could
only wish them the best of luck and a safe return, and that there would be a quick cessation of hostilities.

Gunner Hedley Robins said all he could do was to thank everyone for all they had done, and for the presents.
He concluded by referring to his companion, and saying - We can take it, can't we. Fred!"

Private Piera thanked all for the evening and presents. They would help to remind them of the Moe citizens when on the other side, and to get through their job.

"For They Are Jolly Good Fellows" was sung by the crowd. Dancing was continued, mid the evening's program' concluded with the sipping of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem. On Saturday night, at a Comforts Fund social at Willow Grove, Gunner Hedley Robins was the recipient of an Eversharp pencil, and, on Monday night, he was tendered an evening at his former place of employment, Mr Amiet's, at Darnum, where he received a wristlet watch. We understand he was being entertained at Trafalgar on Wednesday night.

Presentations to Frank Monro, Ron. McCrorey and Ern. Swingler were made at a social in the Trafalgar Scout Hall last Saturday night. The latter two were also entertained by the Trafalgar East and Yulungah residents, at a social at Trafalgar East.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/264504657